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Summary

With the onslaught of Fortnite, Overwatch and the slew of other battle royale games devouring gamers' time, the world of online shooting has changed around Call of Duty. Activision and developer Treyarch haven't been caught snoozing at the wheel, however, and Black Ops 4 brings a huge change for the blockbuster franchise - Blackout, a battle royale mode grown from Call of Duty's robust DNA.

From the outset it's apparent that Treyarch has some ideas of its own about arena shoot-'em-ups. As you descend on the map you do it not in the caress of a parachute, but piloting a nimble and speedy wingsuit that will enable to hit your desired location with a lot of accuracy. And those locations, by the way, play like a greatest hits collection of Call of Duty's multiplayer, with the likes of Nuketown and Rivertown offering plenty to chew on.

Vehicles are a big part of play, giving Blackout a pace that defies the size of the map. It's tactical too, though, and with players well camouflaged from the start its the sound of weapons and rates of fire that will tell you what you're up against. When some of the weapons in play are as surprising as the zombie-summoning Monkey Bomb, however, be prepared to think on your feet.

Treyarch hasn't forgotten Call of Duty's bread and butter, mind you. It's the 10 year anniversary of Call of Duty Zombies and Activision is promising the biggest undead launch offering ever. Traditional multiplayer, meanwhile, takes place between Black Ops 2 and 3 and serves as a prequel to the game's Specialists and their backstories. It's been built to offer more choice and reward more styles of play. Between these changes and the new Blackout mode, veterans and newcomers alike are going to need to be on their toes for Black Ops 4.